European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie selected the final three members of his team yesterday. Let the questioning begin. Not like Monty is immune to a little controversy anyway.
No Justin Rose, a two-time winner on the PGA TOUR this year. Talk about stating your case. One of those wins was at The Memorial, Jack's tourney. Rose is an alternate in case of injury.
No Paul Casey, ranked #9 in the world and two-time runner-up at the Match Play. Casey has also previously won the World Match Play Championships in England. This one baffles me more than Rose though. Casey has been on three previous Ryder Cup teams and was in contention during the final round of this year's Open Championship before that championship changing shot on #12.
The competition will begin October 1 and be played at Celtic Manor in Wales.
Let's look at all the members for Team Europe.
Lee Westwood - Appearances: 7th; World Ranking: 3rd; Ryder Cup Record: 14-10-5
Westwood is currently nursing a calf injury that forced him to withdraw from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. If Westwood in unable to go, his spot will go to Rose. Westwood broke through on American soil this year by winning the St. Jude Classic. Almost always the bridesmaid in majors, Westwood is known as a grinder on the course.
Graeme McDowell - Appearances: 2nd; World Ranking: 14th; Ryder Cup Record: 2-1-1
McDowell won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach this year. McDowell may well feel at home at Celtic Manor as he won the Celtic Manor Wales Open two weeks before his run through Pebble Beach. McDowell has not played in a world rankings tournament since missing the cut at the PGA Championship.
Martin Kaymer - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 5th; Ryder Cup Record: none
Kaymer may be a Euro rookie, but winning the PGA Championship in a playoff against American Bubba Watson (ranked 25th) showed he can play on a big stage. Going into the final hole of the playoff, it was similar to a match play situation. Win the hole, win the Wanamaker. There's no bigger stage than the Ryder Cup and his nerves will once again be tested.
Ian Poulter - Appearances: 3rd; World Ranking: 12th; Ryder Cup Record: 5-2-0
Poulter was a captain's pick in 2008 and collected four points in those matches going 4-1 during the event at Valhalla. Nick Faldo was heavily scrutinized for selecting Poulter and Ian put those questioning Sir Nick in check having the best event of any European player.
Ross Fisher - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 26th; Ryder Cup Record: none
Fisher is another rookie for Europe. He has a win at the 3 Irish Open this year. Fisher's record at the majors this year isn't impressive with three missed cuts. He did manage a T37 at The Open Championship.
Francesco Molinari - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 35th; Ryder Cup Record: none
Yet another rookie for the Euros. Molinari hasn't won since 2006 (Telecom Italia Open), but he did manage a solo 2nd at the Alstom Open de France, his highest finish this year. He also teamed up with his brother, Edoardo (also on the team) to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Peter Hanson - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 40th; Ryder Cup Record: none
Hanson is lowest ranked player for Europe, but don't be fooled by that. The Swede made the cut in the three majors in which he played. What's even more impressive is that Hanson has failed to make only one cut this year (BMW International Open). Hanson has also claimed two wins on the European Tour this year (Open Cala Millor Mallorca and Czech Open).
Rory McIlroy - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 7th; Ryder Cup Record: none
America has already seen what the kid from Northern Ireland can do with a mind-blowing 62 during the final round of the Quail Hollow Championship. He's also had success in Europe and people tend to forget that he won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009.
Miguel Angel Jimenez - Appearances: 4th; World Ranking: 38th; Ryder Cup Record: 2-7-3
I know Europe has some talented players, but I'd pay a lot to watch The Mechanic play. I simply love his course demeanor. And he can play some golf, too. Jimenez owns a pair of European Tour victories this year (Alstom Open de France and Omega Dubai Desert Classic). Who could ever forget his shot on the Road Hole (#17) at The Open Championship this year.
Padraig Harrington (captain's pick) - Appearances: 6th; World Ranking: 19th; Ryder Cup Record: 7-11-3
Harrington may be the most controversial of Monty's pick despite his world ranking of 19th. Paddy has not won since the 2009 Irish PGA Championship, but has managed to pick up his game a bit as of late. He finished 2nd at this year's 3 Irish Open and a T5 at The Travelers. It is hard to think about leaving a three-time major champ off the team.
Luke Donald (captain's pick) - Appearances: 3rd; World Ranking: 11th; Ryder Cup Record: 5-1-1
Kind of weird that Donald didn't make the team on points especially since he's #11 in the world. He took home top honors at the Madrid Masters this year to go along with a couple of third place finishes (Celtic Manor Wales Open and RBC Canadian Open) since his win. He, like Graeme McDowell, returns to a course where he had success this season.
Edoardo Molinari (captain's pick) - Appearances: 1st; World Ranking: 15th; Ryder Cup Record: none
Francesco's brother was pretty much a lock before pulling off an outstanding final round to win the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles yesterday. Monty himself said it was as good as it gets. The Masters provided the only major in which he did not make the cut. He was also a T4 at the Celtic Manor Wales Open.
Monty has 6 newcomers to the pressure packed stage of playing for a Ryder Cup (McIlroy, Hanson, the Molinari brothers, Fisher and Kaymer). It would have been difficult for Monty to explain to Edoardo Molinari why he wouldn't have made the cut, but leaving off Casey and Rose, both Ryder Cup veterans, may have been a bit wiser. Of those with experience, Jimenez has seen the least success. Plus, the loss of Westwood, if he's unable to go, would be a big hit to the hopes of Europe.
U.S. captain Corey Pavin will announce his four captain's picks on September 7th.
Showing posts with label Padraig Harrington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Padraig Harrington. Show all posts
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
And in this corner, Scott McCarron!
Update 2/3/2010: Mickelson has pulled the disputed wedge from his bag. Also, Scott McCarron has apologized for his comments...in person.
Much was made over the biggest issue in the golf world this past weekend. It would be the use of the Ping 2 Eye wedge and some of the quotes that have arisen out of the use of that wedge.
Why was this brought to light. It has to do with the new regulations on the grooves on club faces. The Ping wedge has grooves which are considered illegal according to the new rules. Case closed.
Not so fast. Ping, the USGA and PGA entered into an agreement some 20 years ago when a simliar controversy developed. According to the terms of that agreement, the Ping 2 Eye wedge has now been "grandfathered" under the new groove ruling.
Enter PGA vets Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron.
Mickelson's role in this controversy is the simplest. He's using said wedge. He admitted that according to the new regulations the wedge is actually illegal, but he could use it due to it being "grandfathered".
One thing some are losing sight of is that Callaway, the clubs which Lefty uses, developed a wedge, but it was deemed not in compliance with the new groove rule. Therefore, Phil put the Ping in his bag for last weekend's event at Torrey Pines.
McCarron's role is bit more, shall I say, notable.
Much was made over the biggest issue in the golf world this past weekend. It would be the use of the Ping 2 Eye wedge and some of the quotes that have arisen out of the use of that wedge.
Why was this brought to light. It has to do with the new regulations on the grooves on club faces. The Ping wedge has grooves which are considered illegal according to the new rules. Case closed.
Not so fast. Ping, the USGA and PGA entered into an agreement some 20 years ago when a simliar controversy developed. According to the terms of that agreement, the Ping 2 Eye wedge has now been "grandfathered" under the new groove ruling.
Enter PGA vets Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron.
Mickelson's role in this controversy is the simplest. He's using said wedge. He admitted that according to the new regulations the wedge is actually illegal, but he could use it due to it being "grandfathered".One thing some are losing sight of is that Callaway, the clubs which Lefty uses, developed a wedge, but it was deemed not in compliance with the new groove rule. Therefore, Phil put the Ping in his bag for last weekend's event at Torrey Pines.
McCarron's role is bit more, shall I say, notable.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
PGA kicks off year without Tiger
All is still quiet with golf's #1, Tiger Woods.
As the PGA commences another season at Kapalua in Hawaii with the SBS Championships, many may wonder how the PGA tour will hold up with out Tiger's presence. I, and I may be in the minority, think it will be fine despite what past numbers have shown.
In the past, there's no question that Tiger's absence has had ramifications on the numbers of viewers. If you watch golf just for Tiger, then you're missing out. I can give you (easily) another ten players worth watching in 2010.
1. Phil Mickleson (left). Lefty is currently #2 in the world rankings. He has a knack for being extremely creative on a golf course. Want to improve your short game? Watch Phil. Want to see a player interact with the galley? Watch Phil. He's probably the most popular player. The story of both his wife and mother dealing with breast cancer helped bring even more awareness in '09. Phil is the guy until we see Eldrick again.
2. Sergio Garcia. Is this the year Sergio breaks through and wins a major? He had a down year in '09 both in the U.S. and Europe. He's won at Sawgrass in Tiger's absence in '08 (and promptly thanked him for that). Want charisma? Watch Sergio. It oozes from his pores.
3. Jim Furyk. He didn't win an "official" tournamnet in '09 but won Tiger's tourney at Sherwood. That might be just the boost Furyk needs going into 2010. There's not many that play a more steady game than Furyk. The only knock, don't even try to emulate his swing. Just emulate his steady play.
4. Steve Stricker. You can group Strick with Furyk. He's steady and for some reason, nothing seems to get to him. He's the Tour's best putter, so watch him on the greens.
5. Boo Weekley (right). There's no player that is more down to earth than Boo. You might be able to call Boo the PGA's version of Yogi Berra due to his quotes that have to rattle aound in your head a bit before they can even come close to making sense. That's what a "Booism" is. Weekley's known as the player from the '08 Ryder Cup playing "giddy up" on a club. No better personality on Tour.
6. Bubba Watson. Watson doesn't exactly strike you as a golfer, but nobody lauches a drive like Bubba. He may not be very accurate (53.05% in '09), but he hits the ball a mile (311 yds. on average in '09, 2nd on Tour). The rest of his game is starting to take shape.
7. Rickie Fowler (left). He's going to get a lot a press as one of the Tour's future stars. He might be one of the guys that can make us temporarily forget Woods, especailly if he's got the game he showed at Q-School. This kid can play. He has all the shots.
8. Padraig Harrington. He's as gritty and gutsy as they come, and Harrington pushed Tiger in a few events last year.
9. Kenny Perry. Is there anyone out there that doesn;t like this guy? Perry will turn 50 in August of this year, but by no means let his age fool you. He has no thoughts of playing on the Champions Tour just yet and he can still "hang with the big boys". Could this be the year Perry gets his first major after coming so close at the Masters in '09? Hard not to root for Kenny.
10. Geoff Ogilvy. In my opinion, I can't remember watching a sweeter swing since Fred Couples, and Couples still has a spectacular swing. I know Ernie Els has a beautiful, easy swing, but Ogilvy's swing is as elegant as they come. It just doesn't seem that such an easy looking swing can launch a ball so far. And he's won a major.
See, I told you there's a lot more to watch than just Tiger.
I saw an interview on ESPN with Jerry Kelly. Kelly made a comment to the effect that the game of golf will be here with or without Woods. Kelly's been on the Tour since 1989, so he's been around before the "Tiger Era" began.
PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem hopes Kelly is right. I think Kelly is.
As the PGA commences another season at Kapalua in Hawaii with the SBS Championships, many may wonder how the PGA tour will hold up with out Tiger's presence. I, and I may be in the minority, think it will be fine despite what past numbers have shown.
In the past, there's no question that Tiger's absence has had ramifications on the numbers of viewers. If you watch golf just for Tiger, then you're missing out. I can give you (easily) another ten players worth watching in 2010.
1. Phil Mickleson (left). Lefty is currently #2 in the world rankings. He has a knack for being extremely creative on a golf course. Want to improve your short game? Watch Phil. Want to see a player interact with the galley? Watch Phil. He's probably the most popular player. The story of both his wife and mother dealing with breast cancer helped bring even more awareness in '09. Phil is the guy until we see Eldrick again.2. Sergio Garcia. Is this the year Sergio breaks through and wins a major? He had a down year in '09 both in the U.S. and Europe. He's won at Sawgrass in Tiger's absence in '08 (and promptly thanked him for that). Want charisma? Watch Sergio. It oozes from his pores.
3. Jim Furyk. He didn't win an "official" tournamnet in '09 but won Tiger's tourney at Sherwood. That might be just the boost Furyk needs going into 2010. There's not many that play a more steady game than Furyk. The only knock, don't even try to emulate his swing. Just emulate his steady play.
4. Steve Stricker. You can group Strick with Furyk. He's steady and for some reason, nothing seems to get to him. He's the Tour's best putter, so watch him on the greens.
5. Boo Weekley (right). There's no player that is more down to earth than Boo. You might be able to call Boo the PGA's version of Yogi Berra due to his quotes that have to rattle aound in your head a bit before they can even come close to making sense. That's what a "Booism" is. Weekley's known as the player from the '08 Ryder Cup playing "giddy up" on a club. No better personality on Tour.6. Bubba Watson. Watson doesn't exactly strike you as a golfer, but nobody lauches a drive like Bubba. He may not be very accurate (53.05% in '09), but he hits the ball a mile (311 yds. on average in '09, 2nd on Tour). The rest of his game is starting to take shape.
7. Rickie Fowler (left). He's going to get a lot a press as one of the Tour's future stars. He might be one of the guys that can make us temporarily forget Woods, especailly if he's got the game he showed at Q-School. This kid can play. He has all the shots.8. Padraig Harrington. He's as gritty and gutsy as they come, and Harrington pushed Tiger in a few events last year.
9. Kenny Perry. Is there anyone out there that doesn;t like this guy? Perry will turn 50 in August of this year, but by no means let his age fool you. He has no thoughts of playing on the Champions Tour just yet and he can still "hang with the big boys". Could this be the year Perry gets his first major after coming so close at the Masters in '09? Hard not to root for Kenny.
10. Geoff Ogilvy. In my opinion, I can't remember watching a sweeter swing since Fred Couples, and Couples still has a spectacular swing. I know Ernie Els has a beautiful, easy swing, but Ogilvy's swing is as elegant as they come. It just doesn't seem that such an easy looking swing can launch a ball so far. And he's won a major.See, I told you there's a lot more to watch than just Tiger.
I saw an interview on ESPN with Jerry Kelly. Kelly made a comment to the effect that the game of golf will be here with or without Woods. Kelly's been on the Tour since 1989, so he's been around before the "Tiger Era" began.
PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem hopes Kelly is right. I think Kelly is.
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